Vedran Roćenović, Co-Founder and Executive Director of VHM Development: We don't just build buildings - we build communities that breathe with each other

"For decades, Montenegro has been building its image through natural beauty, but the time has come to turn that beauty into a lasting value - into a modern, sustainable space for living and to be a legacy for generations to come", said Vedran Roćenović, co-founder and CEO of VHM Development, at the RE:D conference recently. Their approach is completely different from the usual - they create not only buildings, but also communities, where life takes place in harmony with nature and people. It was from this vision that their projects in Podgorica and Žabljak - Emerald Garden and Emerald Mountain Resort - were born, named after the symbolism of the emerald color that is associated with Morača and the untouched forests of Durmitor. They will soon be joined by the third - Emerald Garden Residence, designed as a modern urban neighborhood where quality, functionality and comfort are raised to a whole new level.

VHM Development aspires to the Swiss standard – a level of quality that is top-notch, consistent and long-term. Each of their projects, without exception, has to be carefully integrated into the natural environment and what is equally important – it must provide full value to the people who will live in those spaces. Quality, for them, is not only the materials incorporated in the foundations and facades - but also the community that arises within them, Roćenović emphasizes.

"VHM Development began its journey in Podgorica with the Emerald Garden project, which was boldly developed despite the doubts of its viability at the time. The experience and confidence we had in our own vision proved to be crucial. Instead of the usual cost cuts due to pandemic and market uncertainty, we decided that the standards should be raised further. The beginning was a kind of test of vision and endurance. The idea was to create a space that is not only functional, but enriches daily life. Emerald Garden in Podgorica was born out of that need to make something different – urban, but green; contemporary, but with soul. Although many doubted the viability of such an approach at the time, the decision not to compromise on quality turned out to be the right one – the project was implemented even faster than planned.

The same dedication was transferred to the mountain project in Žabljak, in the heart of Durmitor, the Emerald Mountain Resort. A project that will significantly enrich the tourist offer of both Žabljak and Montenegro. Although many warned us that the market was not ready for such a venture in that location, we recognized the potential of a place that had not been given a real development chance for years. In the center of the city, with a view of Durmitor, a complex is emerging today, the first phase of which will be completed by the end of the year, almost a year ahead of schedule, while the second phase, which includes the construction of 83 more apartments and accompanying facilities, according to the current estimate, will also be completed a year and a half earlier than the initially scheduled year of 2028.

Although many doubted, already on the first day of sales, we sold 30 apartments, even though the construction had not even started yet. The key is in the approach - customers are not just clients, but partners. Quality is not only in the materials, but also in the community they create. Žabljak is truly unique, with the potential for tourism all year round. It hides the potential for various types of skiing, as well as the development of health tourism. On top of all that, in the future we expect the development of congress tourism, because we will have three congress halls in our hotel, one of which is large with almost 400 seats.

Our newest project in Podgorica, Emerald Garden Residence, carries a similar spirit. A modern complex under the Gorica hill that raises the bar in every respect, because it is not just a residential complex, but a lifestyle. It is an urban oasis with a semi-Olympic swimming pool, security, a wellness area, educational and sports facilities, a bank, restaurants, a school, a kindergarten and a large park of 5,000 sqm. What is special is the attention to detail – from the greenery on the upper floors, with the idea of ​​"vertical oases", up to the preservation of a hundred-year-old tree that will be integrated into the central park."

As many large projects in the region are delayed, the question arises as to how it is possible for VHM to complete its work ahead of schedule, without sacrificing quality.

"The key is in detailed planning and good preparation. When everything is designed properly, when all the performers are aligned and everyone knows their part – then the realization goes smoothly. Construction is not an unknown - it is an exact thing. Everyone knows what quality construction means and what quality materials are. What I am particularly proud of is that our work is recognized outside of Montenegro. A representative of a renowned international company from Switzerland, who has been involved in the hotel industry for decades, said during his stay with us, that 95% of the hotels in Switzerland do not have the standards we apply. It was a compliment that speaks louder than any award – a confirmation that we are doing the right thing, without compromising on quality.

We take care of everything with every project - not only about what the facade looks like or what brand of ceramics it is, but also about things like mattress quality. Because what`s the point of waking up with a view of Durmitor, if you haven`t had a good night`s sleep? Every detail is carefully chosen - from the colors of the walls and floors, to the furniture that blends in with the nature around us. That kind of thoughtfulness and attention to every detail makes a difference."

"In every project we do, for me, one of the key segments is the team and the relationship we build within the company. You can`t expect the business to function properly if the people who carry it every day are not satisfied. Salary is important, but it`s not the only thing that makes a difference - it is equally important how the employee feels while working, how he feels when he enters the office or the construction site.

VHM Development shows that construction in Montenegro can be much more than a construction process - it can be the creation of spaces that shape the future of the community. A vision where quality is not understood as luxury, but as a norm, where nature is not an obstacle but an inspiration, and togetherness is the basis of every success.